Gordy, Berry, Jr. (1929-…), a successful American record producer and motion-picture executive, founded Motown Records in Detroit, Michigan. The company recorded many top African American artists, especially those performing soul or rhythm and blues. The popularity of the smooth and catchy “Motown sound” brought Black music into the mainstream of American popular music.
Gordy was born on Nov. 28, 1929, in Detroit. He worked in a Ford automobile plant and wrote songs for the singer Jackie Wilson before establishing Tamla Records in 1959 with $800 he borrowed. Tamla was incorporated as Motown Record Corporation in 1960. That year, Motown had its first national hit, “Shop Around,” recorded by the Miracles and co-written by Gordy and the Miracles’ lead singer, Smokey Robinson. Other Motown stars included Stevie Wonder, the Supremes, Mary Wells, Gladys Knight and the Pips, the Jackson Five, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, the Four Tops, and the Temptations.
Gordy relocated Motown operations to Los Angeles, California, in 1972. He became active in the motion-picture industry while still producing recordings. Gordy directed the movie Mahogany (1975), starring Diana Ross. He also produced the films Lady Sings the Blues (1972), The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars and Motor Kings (1976), and The Last Dragon (1988). In addition, Motown produced the movie musical The Wiz (1978). Gordy sold Motown Records in 1988. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988. Gordy wrote the autobiography To Be Loved: The Music, the Magic, the Memories of Motown (1994). Gordy became a Kennedy Center honoree in 2021.
See also Rock music (Independent producers).
